Poetry: The Art of Language and Emotional Power

Concept and Origins of Poetry

Poetry, a significant part of literature, is expressed through rhythmical and imagery-rich language, carrying a strong emotional impact and the distinct personal mark of its creator. Poetry’s origins are intertwined with the emergence of language, initially appearing as simple songs, lullabies, and prayers. Over time, poetry has refined its form and content, reflecting the development of thought, culture, and society in each nation.

Types of Poetry

Classical Poetry (e.g., Đường luật):

Classical poetry, with its strict rules of tones, rhymes, and parallelism, is a renowned form of classical poetry demanding skill and artistry from the creator. Classical poems often contain profound philosophies about life and human emotions.

Free Verse:

Free verse, unbound by poetic rules, offers freedom and diversity in expression. Free verse allows writers to unleash their creativity, expressing genuine emotions closely related to modern life.

Other Forms:

Besides these two main forms, numerous other poetic forms exist, such as lục bát (Vietnamese six-eight-syllable verse), song thất lục bát (seven-seven-six-eight-syllable verse), haiku (Japanese), sonnet (European and American), etc. Each form has unique characteristics in form, rhythm, and expression.

The Value of Poetry

Poetry is not merely an art form but holds immense value for the human spirit. Poetry helps people to:
-Satisfy aesthetic needs: Appreciate the beauty of language, imagery, and sound.
-Gain deep self-understanding and understanding of the world: Poetry reflects the realities of life and human emotions, helping us view life from multiple perspectives.
-Communicate and share emotions: Poetry serves as a bridge between people, fostering empathy and understanding.
-Preserve and develop language: Poetry contributes to the richness and development of language.

Vietnamese Poetry

Vietnamese poetry has undergone numerous developmental phases, from folk songs and proverbs to modern poetry, reflecting the ups and downs of history and the national soul. From dreamy lyrical poems to heroic poems praising the homeland and country, Vietnamese poetry always possesses vibrant life and endures over time. Great names like Nguyễn Du, Hồ Xuân Hương, Xuân Diệu, Tố Hữu… have left a profound mark on readers.

Conclusion

Poetry is a powerful and captivating art form. With the power of language, poetry touches the hearts of readers, awakening profound emotions and enriching the spiritual lives of humanity.